Cold email sequence for web and IT technology — 4% response rate
4 steps over 28 days. 4 emails. 111 prospects contacted.
Charles Perret
Founder of devlo.ch · March 2026
The 4 keys in the sequence
4 emails — over 28 days.
Why this sequence works
111 prospects were contacted over a 28-day period using just four email messages. This minimalist campaign targets the finance and legal sectors in French-speaking Switzerland — markets where a straightforward approach to communication is valued.
The first email addresses the specific IT challenges faced by SMEs head-on: pending support tickets, unpredictable invoices, and unresponsive support. This ‘problem-first’ approach is particularly effective with business leaders who experience these frustrations on a daily basis but don’t have the time to look for alternatives.
The integrated customer testimonial (Touch #1) and performance metrics (Touch #2) gradually build trust. The offer of a free audit at Touch #4 (the ‘breakup email’) wins back hesitant prospects by removing any risk.
What you can learn from this campaign
- Get straight to the point. Pending invoices, unpredictable bills — everyday frustrations that every SME is familiar with.
- Offer a free audit as a way to break up. A report within 48 hours on vulnerabilities, inefficiencies and compliance risks.
- Focus specifically on finance and legal matters. These sectors have high standards for IT reliability and compliance.
- Keep the sequence short (4 emails). For Swiss SMEs, simplicity is respected and valued.
When to use this sequence
Managed IT services for SMEs
IT support, managed services, 24/7 monitoring, security — this campaign is aimed at SMEs who are frustrated with their current provider.
Finance and legal sector
Trust companies, law firms, family offices, investment funds — sectors with high IT requirements.
The French-speaking Swiss market
The bilingual (French/English) programme is tailored to Geneva and the Lake Geneva region.
Fixed-price offer
If your pricing model is predictable (a fixed fee), this is a key point of the presentation.
Who can use this sequence?
IT service providers for SMEs
If you provide IT support, IT outsourcing or proactive monitoring.
SDRs aimed at SME leaders
The straightforward tone and practical issues strike a chord with small business owners.
Digital services firms and IT service providers
If you offer managed IT services with transparent pricing.
Providers of IT security solutions for SMEs
Adapt the sequence to suit your IT security package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why just four keys for IT services?
Managers of SMEs in the finance and legal sectors prefer a low-key approach. Too many emails are likely to annoy rather than engage. Four emails sent at appropriate intervals (6–9 days apart) respect their time whilst maintaining a consistent presence. The free audit offered in the final email provides a strong final incentive.
How does the fixed-price option set this offer apart?
For a trust company or law firm, unpredictable IT bills are a major source of frustration. A fixed-price package eliminates this uncertainty and enables accurate budgeting. This is a particularly compelling argument for finance professionals who value predictability.
How can testimonials be used in a short video?
With just four emails, every testimonial counts. Touch #1 features a qualitative testimonial, whilst Touch #2 includes quantified performance metrics. This progression (qualitative → quantitative) builds trust in two stages. Touch #4 offers a free audit for prospects who are still undecided.
Want a customised sequence for your industry?
devlo designs and executes bespoke B2B cold email campaigns. ICP, buying signals, multi-channel sequences — we take care of everything.
Last updated: March 2026
